The Ecclesiastical Landscape Continued

The Presbyterian Church at St. John's Mall

Presbyterian Church Birr

Photograph of Presbyterian Church Main Stree, Birr County Offaly

Presbyterian Church Birr

Photograph of Presbyterian Church Main Stree, Birr County Offaly

This small gothic building was built as a Presbyterian Church in 1885. The Presbyterian community in Birr had increased in numbers in the 1840s with William Crotty and some of his followers being accepted into the Presbyterian Church in the wake of the Crotty Schism. With the passage of time the fevour generated by the schism largly faded. Purpose-built as a Presbyterian church in 1885, it is now Birr public library.

The Crotty Church

The Crotty Church Birr County Offaly

The Crotty Church, built in 1842

The Crotty Church Birr County Offaly

The Crotty Church, built in 1842

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From 1821 to 1836 Birr endured a period of religious excitement in what has become known as the Crotty Schisim. An allegation was made by Fr. Michael Crotty that the funds collected to build St. Brendan's Roman Catholic Church were being managed irregularly by a Church Committee.

Fr Michael Crotty was supported by many of his Catholic parishoners and in 1832 he was joined by his cousin Fr. William Crotty. Together they attempted to steer their Catholic followers towards the reformed churches. He opened this church in Castle Street in 1839.

The Methodist Church

The Methodist Church Birr

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The Methodist Church Birr

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The Methodist Church was opened in 1768. It is said that John Wesley visited Birr many times. There is an annexe at the rear of the church which was built as a school to commemorate the famous jeweller Edward Morrison. The school was known as the Morrison Memorial School.

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